Please Help, I need some advice...

I need some advice on how to tell my parents I want to get into the law enforcement field. Any suggestions? So far they don't know that this is what I really want. I wanted to research the field first before telling them, in case it didn't work out.

Be upfront and honest with them about your desire to get into LE. Assure them that it's something you truly want to do and your reasons have nothing to do with watching a few episodes of COPS, Bait Car or any of these LE-related shows on TV. Tell them your plan and what you've done to prepare for your future career. See how that goes.

Be truthful and just tell them. If they had a bad experience with L.E. then explain to them that you want to be the best Officer that you can be and make things right in your little piece of the world. This career path is NOT for everyone. But if you feel that it is the one for you then go for it and mention to your parents that you would love their blessing but if you are an adult and you need to do what you feel is the best path for you.

Good luck and sometimes the things you worry about are not the ones that bite you. Your folks might be proud that you want to follow this career path. God bless.

Bad stuff happens to good people, handle it and overcome.
My motto for life:
Let go and let GOD,
Only HE can control everything.

First take them to the all you can eat Golden Corral. When you arrive home mix some nice cocktails. Top the night off with some Butter Brickle ice cream. Seriously this should not be an issue. Just tell them. You seem to be making an issue out of a two minute conversation. Take a deep breath and relax.

You know they may be very supportive. They would probaably be even more supportive if you tell em you plan on completing your degree first. Just a thought there from a parent who would be incredibly proud of my child, would they decide to dedicate their life to the service of others.

In a world where there are Sheep and Wolves,
I am the Sheepdog.
Ranger Up!

Good luck to you! The advice to just tell them and relax is spot on! You could always pull the "bad report card" joke... tell them you've decided to become a bank robber and after they freak out, tell them you were just kidding that you want a career in Law Enforcement.

~I wondered why somebody didn't do something, then I realized I was somebody. ~ unknown

I hope you stay on the straight and narrow, keep out of trouble and stay away from drugs. Keep up your grades, maybe go on some ridealongs or join Explorers, etc. I don't know how old you are so I hope i didn't overstep my POV.....Annie

The way I see it, you can do it one of two ways. You can make a two minute conversation out of it, like uncledennis says, or you can just go out and start getting involved in getting into a career in law enforcement like I did. Its funny how supportive parents are when they know their child is in a carrer field they enjoy! Now, lets hit up uncledennis for a trip to Golden Corral and a cocktail or two!

I am curious of your age? I recall telling my dad when I was 6 or 7 years old of my dream of being a cop. Relax and don't make an issue ot this.

^This.

Adding, what must your parents be like if this is such a dilema for you? You did not state your age, but if you are under 21, my advice is to stay out of trouble, do well in school, graduate college and then DO WHAT YOU WANT WITH YOUR LIFE!

""Life is a storm.. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes"
Alexander Dumas-The Count of Monte Christo

I think at 21, you would show up at your parents house for dinner some night wearing your acadamy uniform, and appologise to them for not having time to get changed. That should break the ice quickly enough.

In a world where there are Sheep and Wolves,
I am the Sheepdog.
Ranger Up!

Probably 99% of parents would back you all the way.Just tell them that this is what you want for a vocation.Unless they're convicted felons who shoot at cruisers they should be capable of understanding.You can't live your life for them.

I have to agree with the other guys on this Tiff. I mean it isn't like you are telling them that you are pregnant with some crackheads baby and are also hooked on Meth and are out on bond for possession and manufacturing Meth! Seriously, those are the things that parents are afraid that they will hear from their daughter, not that she is going into a fantastic profession that takes an honorable, honest, and dedicated individual who will lead a completely respectable life! They should be very, very proud of you.

Do what I did; make a huge family dinner... during dinner chit chat bring it up, state that you're interested in Law Enforcement , why you wish to pursue it and why it interests you. My family wasn't 'excited' when I told them I was studying for Criminal Justice because of the danger the profession carries, but ya know what, it's what I want, and if it is what YOU want then that's really what's important. You have a TON of support from me and everyone else here :) Good luck and go for it!

I remember vividly when I told my parents I enlisted. I think the conversation started somewhere around "Mom, Dad, I enlisted in the Marines." Followed by "ARE YOU CRAZY?!" Next hour was pretty one sided but a week later I was sworn in and it didn't matter.

Do what ya want with your life and follow through to the end. They will support you no matter what.

Funny how the only enumerated right that contains the phrase "shall not be infringed" suffers the heaviest regulation. I'm still trying to find where it says anything about hunting and targets.

Tiff, If you got Sgt405's approval you have GOT to be a keeper ! LOL It's no biggie. You could always take the route I did. My dad said no daughter of his was going to carry a gun for a living soooooo I went to work for child protection. After a year and 9 months he was glad to see me move to LEO land LOL.

Tell them you have been a prostitute for 5 years, and you are addicted to cocaine, and have five charge cards maxed out to their limt and have to claim bankruptcy. When they wake up from passing out, just smile and say not really, I joined the police academy. Problem solved and they will hug you.

Take them out to dinner then start off with conversation about law enforcement and then tell them you want to be a police officer ,but be settle with the per-roach and tell this is going to be your career from here and out.